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Deer Senses – and the Sixth Sense

Posted by Jennifer Smith
on
April 25, 2016

Deer and humans share common senses including hearing,
tasting, smelling, seeing and touching; but did you know that they have a
‘sixth sense’ only made available by the vomeronasal organ? Most people don’t
know that this is there! The sense works like a nose in the roof of a deer’s
mouth. “When a deer opens its mouth the “inside” nose sniffs the air and the
air goes right to the part of the brain that controls reproduction.” (“Deer
Senses” on QDMA Rack Pack)

Sight:

Deer have trouble seeing red and orange; but they can see
green and blue well. This is why hunters wear vibrant orange while in the woods
and some try to avoid wearing camouflage. In addition, deer have trouble focusing
and cannot perceive depth like humans.

Smell:

Deer use their sense of smell to locate food and predators.
It is one of the most important senses for a deer. Smell is affected by wind
speed – fast wind can make it harder for a deer to sense predators or locate
where the scent is coming from.

Taste:

Taste is influenced by the sense of smell. Taste determines
which plants to eat and which plants to stay clear – especially if they contain
a deer
repellent on them (yuck). They can detect sweetness, bitterness, sourness,
saltiness and texture – just like humans.

Touch:

Deer have eye lashes to protect their eyes from piercing
branches and other outside factors. In addition, deer’s antlers are very
sensitive when in velvet. This sends a spark to the brain that makes them aware
of the height of the antlers, keeping them aware so they don’t damage them
while rummaging in the woods. How cool is that?

Hearing:

This is the most important sense for a deer, as they can
sense noise quite well. This, ultimately, can save their life from predators
including animals and hunters. Deer move their ears in multiple directions, as
they have trouble hearing what is behind them.